Getaways to the authentic Florida
Things to do in Southeast Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Stuart and getaways to outdoor recreation, hiking, biking, trails, canoeing, kayaking, places to camp, places to stay, unique restaurants, road trips, historic places and Funky Florida.
Folks have been fascinated with Stiltsville since the first shack went up in Biscayne Bay a mile from land in the 1930s. Biscayne National Park and a non-profit partner offer regular boat tours that tell the Stiltsville story and take you close to the houses.
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk bike trail is a delightful bike ride. A trip to Old Florida, it has vintage buildings, casual beachfront eateries and great views.
The beach in Delray Beach is so special that it was one of only three in the US to win the Blue Flag Beach Award in April 2025. Delray makes a great beach getaway because of its charming, downtown and some unusual attractions, like an authentic Japanese garden.
A trip to Hillsboro lighthouse, a historic and romantic landmark in Broward County, is a fun day trip that starts with the boat ride to the lighthouse.
Folks who dream of picnicking or even camping on their own little island can do just that quite easily by kayaking the Indian River Lagoon. There are dozens of spoil islands in the lagoon that make great paddling destinations.
Jupiter Lighthouse offers a spectacular view, an interesting history, plus great spots nearby to kayak, hike or relax for a waterfront lunch.
One of the best places to see wood storks and other wading birds nesting up close in spring is Wakodahatchee Preserve in Delray Beach. In February to April, dozens of storks build nests close to an easy-to-walk .75 mile boardwalk.
The St. Lucie River is not a well-known kayaking destination — and it should be. It’s wild and gorgeous — a jungly forest of old live oaks thick with airplants and Spanish moss. After paddling about two hours, you reach a remote area where you can picnic and take a hike.
For decades, the only way to stay overnight in Everglades National Park was to camp with your tent or RV. But a few years ago, an alternative was introduced at Flamingo — 20 eco-tents, a cross beween a tent and a cabin, with beds and linens but using a central bath facility.
Cape Sable is 11 miles from Flamingo, the end of the road in Everglades National Park. It’s a wild and wonderful destination for a canoe/kayak camping adventure.